Voluntary Use of N95-Respirators

Last Updated: August 23, 2023 7:59:39 AM PDT

Employees who choose to wear N95-respirators on campus must follow these guidelines.

A job hazard assessment is necessary to determine if a respirator may be required for your work. Respirator use is required when exposures reach a hazardous level. Respirators may also be required if you have been told by COEM (Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine) that you must use one to perform your work.

Sometimes, respirators can be encouraged to provide an additional level of comfort and protection even when exposures do not reach hazardous levels. This is considered Voluntary Use of a Respirator. Some approved uses on campus are for nuisance levels of:

Dust during cleaning activities
Small amounts of mold clean-up
Wildfire smoke
COVID-19 Protection

If you are unsure if a respirator may be required for your work, consult with your supervisor and follow the instructions on How to Get a Respirator.

N95-Respirators

N95-respirators are one common type of filtering facepiece respirator (FFR). When used properly, N95-respirators can reduce exposure to airborne particulates.
FFRs do not provide protection against chemical vapors or gases.

Voluntary Use Requirements for Employees

N95-Respirators

Other Respirators (Half-Face, Full-Face, PAPR)

Training: Complete the online Voluntary Use of N95-Respirator Training and read Appendix D, Section 5144

Per campus policy, voluntary use of all other respirators requires:

Medical surveillance
Respirator Fit Testing
Training

To request voluntary use of a half or full-face respirator, send an email to ehsih@ucsd.edu.

Medical Surveillance

Tight-fitting respirators are generally safe to use; however, they may not be appropriate for some individuals with certain medical conditions which may include certain pre-existing respiratory conditions. Some physiologic effects of respirator use include:

Pulmonary effects:
- Increased breathing resistance
- Increased work of breathing
- Decreased endurance
- Decrease in exercise performance
Cardiac effects:
- Increased cardiac work
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Claustrophobia
- Anxiety
- Hyperventilation

If you would like to consult with a medical provider regarding your ability to wear a respirator, contact EH&S Occupational Health at COEM.

Regulations and Policies

Respiratory Protection, California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5144
Appendix D, Section 5144, Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard
PPM 516-24, Respiratory Protection Program
UC San Diego Respiratory Protection Program Manual (PDF)

Questions? Contact ehsih@ucsd.edu